System and method for voice-enabled instant messaging
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for providing instant messaging services between text and audible format comprising the steps of:
- creating a first message in either text or audible format at a first sender;
converting the first message from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format based on a signal from a first receiver indicating the desire to receive the first message and the preferred format; and
providing the converted first message to the first receiver.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-modal voice-enabling instant message system and method permitting instant messaging to occur either a text format or an audible format with conversion occurring there between. This permits a mobile user to receive instant messaging and reply to instant messaging without having to use a text input keyboard or other visual limitation, thereby allowing the mobile user to continue to use his hands and eyes for critical requirements such as driving.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A method for providing instant messaging services between text and audible format comprising the steps of:
-
creating a first message in either text or audible format at a first sender;
converting the first message from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format based on a signal from a first receiver indicating the desire to receive the first message and the preferred format; and
providing the converted first message to the first receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of providing instant messaging services between text and audible format comprising the steps of:
-
creating a first message in either text or audible format at a first transmitter for a first receiver;
determining if the first receiver desires to receive the first message converted from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format;
converting the first message from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format;
providing the converted first message to the first receiver;
creating a second message in either text or audible format at the first receiver;
determining if the first transmitter desires to receive the second message converted from audible format to text format or from text format to audible format;
converting the second message from audible format to text format or from text format to audible format; and
providing the converted second message to the first transmitter.
-
-
6. An instant messaging communication system comprising:
-
means for receiving communications from senders;
means for translating communications received from a text format to an audible format based on the predetermined desires of receivers of said communications; and
means for transmitting said translated communications to recipients. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. An instant messaging communication system comprising:
-
a gateway providing access to instant messaging users;
at least one text-to-speech subsystem for translating communications received in text format from a sending instant messaging user to an alternate format desirable to a receiving instant messaging user who desires for a period of time, to receive instant messaging in an alternate format; and
means for delivering said translated received instant message to said receiving instant messaging user. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A system for enabling instant messaging, said instant messaging being characterized as a text message sent from a sending user to a target user during periods of time when said target user has signaled availability to receive instant messaging, said system comprising:
a converter for changing an instant text message addressed to a target user who has signaled availability to receive instant text messages to an alternate format during periods of time when said target user has signaled a temporary unavailability to receive instant text messages. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
Specification